Victoria woman wins appeal of murder conviction in death of her toddler
In its June 30 decision, the appeal court found Mehl’s lawyer failed to provide professional assistance. “Viewed collectively, the acts and omissions of trial counsel resulted in a trial that was unfair in fact and in appearance,” said the unanimous decision. “Additionally, if reasonable professional assistance had been given, there is a reasonable probability that the outcome would have been different.” The behaviour of one juror, who made sympathetic hand gestures toward the baby’s father and his family, also undermined trial fairness, said the appeal court. The behaviour by ...